American Medical Association Family Medical Guide - American Medical Association [751]
WARNING!
Enlarging Strawberry Mark
Take your child to the pediatrician immediately if a strawberry mark that is near your child’s eye, mouth, or nose seems to be growing. A hemangioma can interfere with vision, feeding, or breathing.
Port wine stain
A port wine stain is a usually large, purplish red, sometimes raised area that occurs on the face (see page 117) or on an arm or leg. It generally persists throughout adulthood, although it may fade.
Café au lait spots
Café au lait spots are flat, irregularly shaped, small or large, tan or brown areas (see page 117) that are present on the skin at birth. They can occur in one or two spots or all over the body. In rare cases, the spots may become cancerous later in life.
Mongolian spots
Mongolian spots (see page 117) are bluish gray or bluish green flat marks of various sizes that are present at birth and resemble bruises on the buttocks or lower back. The spots occur most frequently in children of black, Asian, Native American, Hispanic, or Mediterranean descent, and usually disappear by the time a child is 1 year old.
Abnormal Skin Pigmentation
Cells called melanocytes produce the pigment melanin, which gives color to the skin. The more melanin, the darker the skin. The amount of melanin your body normally produces is determined by your genes. Exposure to sunlight increases the production of melanin to protect the skin from harmful ultraviolet rays, making the skin look tan.
Moles
Moles are small, dark, raised areas of skin (see page 118) that are benign pigmented tumors. They are composed of dense collections of the pigment-producing cells in the skin called melanocytes. Moles are very common, especially in some ethnic groups. In rare cases, they can become cancerous (malignant melanoma; seepage 1069). Benign moles can be surgically removed for cosmetic reasons.
Freckles
Freckles are tiny flat patches of pigmented skin that appear on sun-exposed areas and multiply with repeated sun exposure. They most often develop in people who are fair and have red hair. People who have freckles need to be especially careful about exposing their skin to the sun because they are at increased risk of developing skin cancer from sun exposure. If you have freckles, try to avoid the sun and always wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Age spots
Age spots (see page 118), medically referred to as solar lentigos, are darkened areas of skin that result from long-term exposure to the sun. They usually develop in middle age or later on the skin areas most frequently exposed to the sun, such as the hands, face, and chest. They may be up to an inch in diameter. For people who consider age spots unattractive, doctors can remove them with laser surgery, cryosurgery (freezing with liquid nitrogen), or chemical peels, or by cutting them out. Surgery is performed as an outpatient procedure and usually requires only one session. Age spots usually return because they are related to previous sun exposure. To help prevent the spot from returning after treatment, wear a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.
Dermatosis papulosa nigra
Dermatosis papulosa nigra is a noncancerous condition resembling seborrheic keratoses (see page 1063). It is characterized by brown or black mole-like or wartlike spots on the face and neck and occurs almost exclusively in people with dark skin.
Acanthosis nigricans and pseudoacanthosis nigricans
A thickening and darkening of skin folds around the neck or in the armpits or groin (called acanthosis nigricans) can be a symptom of cancer or a genetic disorder in people with dark skin. However, it usually is a noncancerous condition (called pseudoacanthosis nigricans) that is associated with obesity. Excessive sweating may occur in these areas, and the skin may itch.
Purpura and acquired angiomas
Purpura are purplish or reddish brown spots on the skin caused by leaks in the small blood vessels in underlying tissues. The spots can range from the size of a pinpoint (called petechiae) to 2 inches across, and can be flat or slightly raised.